KenPetrus.com

Executive Pastor @ North Side Baptist Church

Through The Storms

May 16

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

In 2001, our son, Eric was diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosis and ensuing “storm” turned our family’s life completely upside down. I am Eric’s Dad. This was something that I could not fix. I wrote this book to provide some encouragement to others dealing with storms in their life. To accomplish this, we walk by faith. I trust this book will provide you with some encouragement.

This book is available for purchase at https://www.createspace.com/3864342. The majority of the proceeds from this book will go to help Eric with his continued medical expenses.

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In Sickness and in Health…Their Love Conquers All

Jan 3

Posted by ken in General, Personal

Here is GwdToday.com’s # 8 best story of 2011. It is the story of our son, Eric and his wife Cheyanne.
In Sickness and in Health … Their Love Conquers All
Lesley Lane – GwdToday News Reporter
• Mon, Feb 14, 2011

He was born in small-town Greenwood before the old train depot was demolished and the big box stores moved in. He grew up an avid golfer and outdoorsman, with dreams of one day making it big in the world of finance.

She moved here in 91, but still your typical Southern Belle who greets you into her home with a warm, inviting smile. She dreamt of a beautiful wedding, a comfortable home, a few children  a family.

Their quaint second-story apartment smells of newly sprayed air freshener and a hint of women’s perfume. A sign on the front door spells out their last name and hung just below the mantel in the cozy living room, is a placard that says .Home Sweet Home.

They met through mutual friends; she went to high school with his older sister. They knew of each other long before they fell in love. Just one week after he graduated from college they were married. Nearly six months later his cancer was back.

Eric, 29 and his 33-year-old wife Cheyanne Petrus, agree that love is a difficult word to define but if any two people embody the patience, devotion, commitment, and adoration that it takes to love, it would be them.

When Eric and Cheyenne met six years ago Eric was in remission from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He found out about his cancer in 2001 after a car accident that left him with a bruised kidney. Following the wreck x-rays uncovered what was a mass in Eric’s chest that would eventually spread to his neck and under his arms. Eric’s cancer treatment began right away and Eric’s body began to heal. The weekend he found out he was in remission Eric fell in love.

Cheyanne says when she met Eric she knew the battle he had endured but Eric says that did not make it any easier to talk with Cheyenne about his cancer when their relationship became more serious.

Talking to her about it was the hardest part, Eric said. I was worried that she wouldn’t want to take up the challenge and she would be scared of what she was possibly getting herself into.

�

But Cheyanne said she loved Eric and there was never a doubt in her mind that she wanted to be with him, in sickness or in health.

I always had it in the back of my mind that his cancer may come back but I didn’t really think it would be as quick as it was, she said.

Just six months after the couple took their wedding vows Eric got word that his cancer was back, and this time it was back with a vengeance.

It was devastating. They told me my husband only had a few months to live, Cheyanne said. To go through life and you want to get married, have babies, have a family and grow old together – but I’ve always had a very strong relationship with God. Both Eric and I have big faith and we just kind of put it in His hands.

Eric said Cheyenne didn’t miss a beat after they found out his cancer had returned.

�She just went full steam ahead. She figured out what she needed to do to help me and she never complained,� Eric said.

�

Eric has proven to be a fighter while battling cancer and various other infections for nearly 10 years and has been a source of encouragement for many in the Greenwood community who know him, but he says Cheyenne, his wife, is his inspiration. He says that through his faith in God he believes Cheyanne was sent to him for a reason � primarily her strength, as she has fought battles all her own.

It takes a strong person and she’s strong, he said. She went through a stroke where she had to learn how to work her right arm again. She learned to write with the left hand, he said. I had to learn to walk again. I think we are here because of each other.

Today, Eric has been in remission for 18 months but his body is still very weak and his immune system is nearly non-existent. Bound to an antibiotic IV pump 24 hours a day and forbidden to leave home for fear that common illnesses will set him back even further in his recovery, Eric and Cheyanne spend the majority of their time together, inside their small apartment. None the less, Eric’s sense of humor is still very much intact.

We get on each others nerves sometimes, he said. It was probably a good thing in April when they put me in a comma because she got a break.

�

But Cheyanne says every day that she gets to spend with her husband is a blessing and something she tries to never take for granted.

Every day is a gift. He was so sick in April and I thought, We won’t be together for Christmas or we are not going to make it to our three year anniversary. I won’t see him turn 30.  It’s a gift when you get past those markers, Cheyanne said. We are truly blessed. Even as sick as he has been, we are truly blessed.

Eric and Cheyanne say that one day they want to start a family; though they will have to adopt. Eric says he wants to finally have a chance to begin his career. With a bachelor’s degree in business, he hopes to work in the banking industry. He also wants to get back out on the golf course, something he says he misses dearly, but more than anything he says he wants to help others.

�

�There’s always something you can do to help somebody else or to open someone�s eyes to something. When I get a chance and I’m able to get out more I want to work with the American Cancer Society. If I can just talk to one person and ease them before going into treatment or give a testimony, anything I can do I will do it.

The trials that Eric and Cheyanne have been faced with are no match for their constant love for one another, they both agree. While they know their lives will remain forever changed Cheyanne says it’s something she is willing to accept in order to continue her life with Eric.

We’ve come to realize that we don’t have the life that we used to have. Our life, it’s sickness it’s cancer, it’s chemo. That’s our life now and we have to make a new normal. Our normal is gone and will never be like it was. We just have to move on and learn from that and hopefully our normal will be the best normal that we can make it, she said.

For today the two say they will continue to take their obstacles one day at a time and say they hope to share the stories of their hurdles along with their unwavering love with their children and grand children. The advice they would give their children is that compromise and respect can conquer all in love and that their faith in God has given them the strength to endure it all.

I hope we can sit on the porch when we’re 70-years-old and look back at this and it will show us how strong we were as individuals and how strong we were as a couple, Cheyenne said.

As for giving up, both say the thought has crossed their minds, after all they are human. But Eric and Cheyenne, nearly finishing each others sentences, agree that their love – in this moment and in every moment they will face in the future, good or bad – is right.

You just know it’s right. Everything about it is right. Through sickness, through cancer, through everything we just know its right, said Cheyenne.

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Getting through it…whatever it is.

Sep 1

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

I posted this message late last year. After this week and seeing so many hurting people. I thought it was worth a repost.

Getting through…the day…the night…the hour…the next few minutes.

I have been asked this question a lot lately…how do you do it? Followed by…I mean, you son has been very sick, you and Gail have a lot on you…how do ya’ll get through it?

Well, the answer is…one step at a time. We trust the Lord. Our faith our the Lord Jesus Christ carries us through our current circumstances.

Here are some Scripture verses that I frequently rely on…

  • When I don’t know… Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Prov 3:5-6
  • When I get anxious… Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
  • When I get self centered…I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20
  • When I need guidance… All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17
  • When I wonder why… And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
  • When I need to encourage others… And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:24-25
  • When I feel as though I can’t voice a prayer… Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26
  • When I feel that I need… The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.  All the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23:1-6 (NKJV)

So, there you go…this is how I “get through…”. How about you?

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Looking for a job?

Jun 6

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, General, Leadership, Personal, Staffing

Indeed.com

What a great resource for those looking for a job!

As I work with those who are looking for a job or a career change, I have found Indeed.com to be a tremendous tool. The concept is that it takes the key words used in your job search and delivers job openings directly to your inbox each morning. I have been running an experiment for the past couple of weeks by putting in some key words that I would use if I were looking for a new job today. The results were pretty amazing…

  • 15 to 20 jobs for General Manager
  • 10 to 20 jobs for Administrator
  • 20+ jobs for Manager
  • 10 to 15 jobs for Director
  • 25+ jobs for Technician
  • 15 jobs for Executive
  • 10 jobs for Teaching
  • 20+ jobs for Non-profit

I set up my “job search” criteria to search for jobs within a 50 mile radius of Greenwood, SC.

If you are looking for a new job or considering a career change, check out this site http://www.indeed.com

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What is God Showing You?

Mar 17

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

What is God Showing You?

It is a question that we all should be asking ourselves from time to time. Remember, our life here on earth is not about ourselves, but rather to bring glory to God. This is something that I struggle with on a daily basis. I have a tendency to make it all about Ken rather that bringing glory to my Heavenly Father. It’s about me, what I did, rather than what God did through me.

Last week when our son, Eric, was in the the operating room, in the midst of a very risky procedure, God brought this verse to my mind… And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  Quite honestly, I struggled with that verse for some time. How could what my son and our family was going through bring glory to God? I looked around the surgery waiting room and saw the sheer number of people waiting with us..friends and family. Then, I considered all the emails, notes, kind words, FB posts that Eric, Cheyanne and our entire family has been receiving telling us about their prayers for Eric. There were and are literally thousands, tens of thousands…maybe even hundreds of thousands of people praying for Eric. I was overwhelmed!

It was at that point that I realized how “good” was coming our of Eric’s 9 1/2 year battle. You see, God has been and is drawing people near to Himself through people’s prayers for Eric and our family! Pretty incredible when you think about it. There are people who are drawing close to our Almighty God through their intercession for Eric, Cheyanne and our family. People are being impacted in a good way through a terrible set of circumstances.

Eric, and Cheyanne as well, have an incredible testimony as to their faith through this long battle. They have impacted many, many more people than they can ever imaging. The Lord has given them the strength to endure this battle and provided numerous miracles along the way. God is bringing “good” out of a terrible situation. He is bring people closer to Himself.

How about you?  What is God Showing You?

Thank you all for your continued prayer for Eric, Cheyanne and our entire family.

4 Comments

Ken’s Interview

Mar 15

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

I was recently interviewed for an article in our church COMPASS magazine. I thought it would be interesting to share the interview here.

- Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?

 

I grew up in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin…a small town of about 25,000…on the outskirts of the big city. I am the second oldest of five children. My Dad was a blue collar worker and my Mom “raised” us kids. We did not have a lot of extra stuff growing up…but, we never lacked anything…we had what we needed…shared things a lot amongst us kids. We grew up in a closed knit neighborhood. My childhood was pretty typical of those in the 50’s and 60’s…not a lot of extras…but never went without. Dad was a hard worker and great provider. Mom kept us straight.

 

- What kinds of things did you like growing up?

I always enjoyed sports…loved basketball and baseball…always had a pickup game going on in the neighborhood. I started working at a very young age…at 12… I worked on a farm and continued working on farms from that time all the way through high school…everything from plowing, cultivating, planting, picking and taking the vegetables to market. I made 60 cents an hour and if I was lucky, in the summer, I could work piece work and make near 90 cents an hour. My parents taught me the value of money early…one third of what we made was given to the family to help with the family expenses.

 

- Tell about your schooling – high school, college, etc.

I graduated high school never intending on going to college. My parents were straight forward with us and told us that they could not afford college for all five of us. So, I developed a “trade” in high school…that being a draftsman. The day after high school graduation, I started an apprenticeship with McGraw Edison as a draftsman. As my career developed, I was encouraged by my co-workers to attend college. I enrolled in the evening program and pursued an Electrical Engineering degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering. In 1973, the company announced it’s moved to Greenwood, Sc and I accepted the transfer.

 

- When and how did you meet Gail? Tell a little about her. What “drew” you to her?

 

Gail and I met in the spring of 1975…it was a setup by her cousin and her husband, a golfing buddy of mine. We were engaged a month after we met and married five months later. Her smile, sense of humor and gentle caring attitude is what drew me near to her. Needless to say…I married way over my head. Gail is most definitely a “Proverbs 31 woman”.

 

- Tell a little about coming to know Christ.

I grew up in the Catholic faith, going to Mass six days a week and following all the Catholic rituals and practices…actually, even considered going into the priesthood at one point. Throughout those growing up years, I always felt something missing…as it turned out…it was a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I accepted Christ as my personal Savior as an adult. I finally understood God’s grace in a very personal way. I understood that I was saved by grace through my faith in Him…not by my works.

 

- Kids? Ages? Grandkids? Give some info on them

Gail and I have three children…Ashley, Stephen and Eric. Ashley works for the Burton Center and is married to Lin. They have three children…Tyler 11, Jordan 11 and Savannah 5. Our son Stephen lives in Simpsonville, works for Fluor and is married to Shannon. They have a daughter, Avery who is 2 years old. Eric is our youngest and is married to Cheyanne. Many of you know of Eric’s battle with cancer. He graduated from Lander with a degree in Finance. He is looking forward to the opportunity to work in this field and start a family.

 

- What jobs have you had since High School/College?

I worked for McGraw Edison for 17 years in numerous engineering and marketing positions. In addition, I have started and managed a number of small businesses throughout my 30 plus year career. I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of experience in both the large corporate world as well in the small business world. The Lord has allowed me both successes and failures in my life to bring me to where he has me today.

 

- When did you start at NSBC? What was and is your job?

I came on staff here at north Side in October of 2001. The Lord called me to a staff position at North Side through Jeff Lethco. We had worked together on a capital stewardship campaign and an SCBC evaluation of our office systems. When it was recommended that North Side consider hiring a Business Administrator, Jeff approached me about the position. I accepted the position and worked part time for about 8 months. At that time I came on staff full time as Minister of Administration and Education. Today, I serve in the role of Executive Pastor. I serve behind the scenes in executing the plan. I work with the other pastors and leaders in providing the resources to allow them to do ministry. I am definitely a “behind the scenes guy”. Titus 1:5 describes my position…Paul said to Titus “…that you should set things in order that are lacking…”

In addition, I do get the privilege of leading our special needs ministry…Sonshine Ministry. The Lord has used the people of this ministry to teach mean the true meaning of unconditional love.

 

- How have you grown while at NSBC?

I cannot begin to tell you how much I have grown since being on staff here at North Side. In one area, the formal education of obtaining both a Master and a Doctorate degree Church Business Administration which has been invaluable to me. On the other hand, the Lord has grown me tremendously as a pastor….caring for, feeding, leading and protecting the members of North Side Baptist Church. He continually allows me to see how He can use me and all my life experiences to serve Him.

 

- What is the most important thing you get out of your job?

The most important thing that I get out of my job is serving others.

 

- How has being a grandfather changed your life?

I like to tell fathers that becoming a grandparent is God’s blessing for not killing your kids! All joking aside, being a grandparent is a tremendous blessing. While our children were small, I was busy climbing the corporate ladder or pursuing a business dream. I was an absent father in many ways. Gail did a great job in raising our children. Being a grandparent has allowed me to stop and live in the moment. I love spending time with our grandchildren.

 

Hope you found it a little bit interesting and maybe found out something about me that you did not know.

1 Comment

Great Job Seeker Resource

Feb 24

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, General, Leadership

Although the economy seems to be improving and some employers are starting to hire, job seekers still find themselves at a disadvantage. Today companies who are hiring can be very selective…hiring the best of the best. Following is a link to an article the appeared on CareerBuilers.com a week or so ago. Great insight and great advice. Here is the link:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2518-Job-Search-The-wow-factor-Impressive-job-candidate-qualities/?sc_extcmp=JS_2518_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42518&GT1=23000&pf=true&pf=true

Try putting these principles to work and let us know your results.

 

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Christian Jobs Websites…

Feb 16

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, General, Leadership

SITE BRIEF DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION WEB ADDRESS (URL) CLICK TO GO TO WEBSITE
600+ Christian Jobs and Christian Employment at ChristiaNet.com Christian jobs and Christian employment website for Christian discipling other Christians and encouraging people all over the world. http://www.christianet.com/christianjobs/
Christian Classifieds – Jobs, Roommates, Business, Music, Announcements … Classified Ads for networking Christians throughout the United States for employment business roommates housing announcements music opportunities and more. http://www.christian-classifieds.com/
Christian ESL – ChristianESL.com – English Teaching Jobs … Jobs, Resources, Schools, Ministries, Churches, Teachers, and Students. Christian ESL. ESL Missions. Christians teaching English as a second language. http://www.christianesl.com/
Christian Job Listings Resume and job posting for Christians, Churches & business. Christian Jobs Christian Jobs and Employment, both nonprofit and commercial http://biz.crossmap.com/category/job-listings.htm
Christian Jobs – Denominational and Non-Denominational Christian Work Discover jobs for people of the Christian faith. Work for a church, school, or as a counselor. Overview of Christian employment opportunities. http://www.jobmonkey.com/faithbasedjobs/christian.html
Christian Jobs Australia – Christian Jobs Search, Employment … Christian Jobs Australia is Australia’s largest and most popular Christian Job Search and Career website with more than 2200 Christian Employers. http://www.christianjobs.com.au/
Christian Jobs in Business, Education, Charities, Churches, Non … Search for jobs in Christian Business, Non-Profit Organizations, Christian Ministry, and Churches throughout the USA. Employers post your jobs and recruit qualified employees. http://www.ministryemployment.com/
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Christian University Jobs We provide targeted Higher Ed jobs search access for those seeking employment in Christian Higher Education, and to provide Universities, Colleges, Seminaries and Theological … http://www.christianuniversityjobs.com/
Find Christian Jobs at Christians Online Australia Find a career path that really makes a difference and complements your Christian beliefs. Browse a selection of the latest Christian Jobs and Employment opportunities. http://www.christiansonline.com.au/content/jobs.asp
Job Search, Christian, Employment, Online, Find Job, Listings … Use our Christian job search for job listings, employment, openings, posts and find jobs in Christian business, ministries, nonprofit, and work from home. http://www.christianjobs.com/
Jobs – Association for Christians in Student Development Association For Christians in Student Development Subscribe to the full RSS Feed and know when new jobs are posted. http://www.acsd.org/career-center/job-board/
Jobs – Christian Ministry Employment – How to find ministry … Wellestablished, international jobreferral service for Christians—“ attempts to match Christians with jobs in Christian http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/jobs.html
Jobs 4 Christians … Many of our Jobs sites are only available to those who live in the country where the jobs are advertised. http://www.jobs4christians.com/
Jobs 4 Christians South Africa – Christians.co.za – The gospel … ‘Jobs 4 Christians South Africa’ is a Christian Employment Online Advertising Service specifically designed to assist Christians find work with Christian http://www.christians.co.za/e-directory/listingdetails.asp?ListingID=2089
NACSW Christian JobNet Click here to go to the NACSW JobNet Career Center, a job and resume posting NACSW members and friends with jobs of special interest to Christians in http://www.nacsw.org/JobnetAnnouncement.htm
OCCUPATIONS SUITABLE FOR CHRISTIANS This article deals with jobs, trades, occupations, professions and businesses that are suitable and unsuitable for Christians. Some of the unsuitable ones http://www.bethelministries.com/jobs.htm
OSCAR – Opportunity zone – Vacancies – Vacancy agents CV also offer advice and help to Christians wanting to work in the UK or overseas. There is also a printed jobs directory (called Mission Matters) and a http://www.oscar.org.uk/opportunity/vacancies/agents.htm
Purpose for Christ | Home … the networking site for Christians in business, employment and the workplace … the business and work environment. Our members are Christians looking to apply biblical principles to their business and work life. http://www.purposeforchrist.com/
Summer Work | Summer Student Jobs | Camp Counsellor Jobs | … Christian Camp Counsellor Jobs. Camp America are proud to introduce a new service for committed Christians, and to offer amazing opportunities for young http://www.campamerica.co.uk/programmes.php
The Best Careers for Christians | eHow.com 20 Nov 2010 The Best Careers for Christians. Christians sometimes find themselves faced with a quandary. When trying to find the best careers, http://www.ehow.com/list_7372472_careers-christians.html
Unemployed Christians Using FindAChristianJob.com for … 30 Dec 2010 Unemployed Christians Using FindAChristianJob.com for Christian Jobs. More job seekers than ever are looking for Christian jobs and ministry http://www.prlog.org/11186775-unemployed-christians-using-findachristianjobcom-for-christian-jobs.html
Christian Jobs, Christian Employment, Ministry Jobs at Christian … Search Christian Jobs, Christian employment and ministry job postings. Post Christian Jobs and resumes. Christian career testing and coaching also … http://www.christiancareercenter.com/
Church Jobs & Pastor Jobs – ChurchJobs.net – The #1 Christian … Search our pastor jobs database to find church jobs and pastor jobs. Thousands of pastors, ministers, and other church staff seeking christian church jobs, … http://www.churchjobs.net/
Church Jobs, Pastor Jobs, Listings, Ministry Employment, Church … Additional resources for Christian employers include church background checks, job descriptions, pastor compensation, salary information and more to help … http://www.churchstaffing.com/
Christian Jobs, Employment, Ministry, School, Camping & Work At … Christian jobs, Christian employment, ministry jobs, and work at home opportunities found at Christian Jobs Fair. http://www.christianjobfair.com/
Christian Jobs – ChristianJobs1.net – Search Christian Jobs … Christians can search our large database of christian jobs and church jobs. We are a leading Christian Jobs and ministry positions place bringing churches … http://www.christianjobs1.net/
Christian Jobs Millions of Jobs at Indeed.com. A Better Way to Search for Jobs. http://www.indeed.com/q-christian-jobs.html
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My “P31″ Wife…Gail

Jan 20

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

My “P31″ wife…Gail

A number of years ago I heard Jeff Lethco preach a sermon and referenced his wife, Sandy being a “P31″ wife.  Jeff was referring to chapter 31 of Proverbs. Here it is:

The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?
Do not give your strength to women,
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.
Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtuous Wife

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.

She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,

or all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates. Prov 31:1-31 (NKJV)

I was reminded of my “P31″ wife this week as we were sitting outside our son’s ICU room. A close friend had stopped by to encourage our family. Gail knew that this person had some pretty serious stuff going on in her family. I sat in awe as Gail turned the focus off of her own situation and ministered to this person. Incredible!

Yes, again…as I read Proverbs 31 this morning… Gail is a “P31″ wife. Needless to say, I married way over my head.

4 Comments

A Romans 8 Moment…

Dec 25

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

A Romans 8 moment…that’s what happened to me a couple of days ago. It was late afternoon on Thursday..the office was very quiet. In fact, most of the staff had taken off to get their last minute things done for Christmas. I was waiting on a call from Gail to give me a report on our son, Eric’s doctors appointment.

The phone rang and it was Gail…she told me that Eric’s creatanine level was up…that’s something the doctors have been watching closely as they treat Eric for the two infections that he is currently fighting. The doctors have been concerned about the effects more of one of the antibiotics on his kidneys…and have been watching these  levels very closely for the past week or two.

Well, Gail gave me news that I did not want to hear from her. She told me that Eric’s creatanine level was up and Eric was to go to the hospital in the morning (Christmas Eve) to have it checked. If the level had not gone down, then he would have to be admitted to the hospital for fluids. Wow…That hit us both like a ton of bricks…Eric had spent just spent three weeks in the hospital including Thanksgiving and the last thing we wanted for our son wad to spend Christmas in the hospital. Although we know Eric would follow the doctors orders, we were saddened that he may spend Christmas in the hospital. Not for us…but for him and Cheyanne. Our hearts were breaking.

As I attempted to pray for Eric…I got very emotional…I had been praying so much for Eric…I really had difficulty voicing a prayer. That’s when Romans 8:26, 27 came to mind…

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

I had tremendous peace knowing that even though I could not voice a prayer for Eric, The Holy Spirit was already interceding for us. Then I recalled verse 28…And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Then, everything came back into perspective for me.

On Christmas Eve, Eric and Cheyanne went down to Self to get his levels checked…although the levels were still high, they were actually lower than the previous day. Eric was able to spend Christmas at home with his family.

A Romans 8 moment…when we are too weak to pray because of our human frailties…the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

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